LETTER CXL.

From the same.

London, March 28, 1815.

Your letter of February 9th did not seem to demand an early answer, and principally referred to the character of our deceased friend Mr. Neild, with an apology for a part of his conduct respecting his son, so opposite to the general tenor of his character, expanded as it was by extensive acts of philanthropy. The goodness of your own heart gave utterance to these apologies; but, indeed, I may painfully say, that I think the repulsive treatment of one son, and the parental kindness to another, for the space of months and years, cannot be attributed to the source you liberally suggest. He did, indeed, receive him at his table, when he ventured to intrude himself; but the parent never relaxed to open his mouth on such occasions, except to censure and repulse.

J. C. L.

LETTER CXLI.

JACOB BRYANT, Esq. to Dr. LETTSOM.

Cockspur-street, Dec. 14, 1778.

In respect to the Deity Esculapius, it is a character upon which I have formerly reflected, as well as that of Hippolytus, which has in it something singular; but I do not know that I have committed any thing upon these heads to writing. There are several other personages in ancient mythology, whose history deserves to be inquired into; for, from a proper collation of their qualities and attributes, I am persuaded much light may be obtained. Should I find, when I return into the country, any notices to the purpose which you mention, they shall be at your service; but I think that I have nothing of this sort.

J. B.

LETTER CXLII.

Dr. LETTSOM'S Reply.

Sir, London, May 24, 1779. I received thy obliging letter, dated the 14th of last December, and should have acknowledged it sooner, had it not given me to hope for thy further notice after thy return into the country. In the perusal of thy New System of Ancient Mythology, I was so pleased with this stupendous performance, that I formed a running index to the three volumes, as well as to thy Observations, formerly published; and therefore I can probably point out some passages respecting the supposed God of Physic in these works, which may have escaped the author's recollection, and from reading of which I did not doubt, but from his etymological knowledge, and from a proper collation of the qualities and attributes of this personage, much new light might be thrown upon the Is-Calibi, of Sanchoniathon, which seems antecedent to the Esculapius of Epidaurus, who partook of the Eleusinian mysteries in Samothracia. I suspect the curious piece of sculpture in Lord Shelburne's possession, does not apply to Esculapius. I understood that under the seat of the Deity, a dog was placed; but, upon inspection, it appears to be a dragon or griffin, which, I think, was never con

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sidered as his attendant. The cock sometimes has been as well as the dog; the snake twines very naturally round the baton, which is terminated with a nest of birds, which the serpent seems to be approaching with his mouth.

I should be very happy to be favoured with thy future information; and am very respectfully, &c. J. C. LETTSOM.

P. S. References to Esculapius, in the New System of Ancient Mythology; vol. i. p. 177, 437, 457; v. ii. p. 129, 432; and under Asclepius, v. ii. p. 463, 468.

LETTER CXLIII.

JACOB BRYANT, Esq. to Dr. LETTSOM.

Sir,

Cypenham, near Windsor, May 28, 1779.

You do great honour to the Analysis, and to its author, in taking so much pains about it as to form an index for the easy discovery of its principal contents of this I shall be glad to have a sight, and possibly may request your permission to copy it.

The ancient history and meaning of Esculapius, I think, I know well, and have digested it in my mind; but as yet nothing has been consigned to writing. It shall be my purpose very soon to give an account of this deity, in consequence of your

request; and it shall be transmitted to you, as soon as finished. I may be prejudiced, and perhaps mistaken; but every inquiry which I make, seems to corroborate my original system; and the history of Esculapius will be found to afford much light to the several parts which have preceded. The History of Vulcan would do the same; and that of Cecrops, and of many others, would be found equally interesting, if examined, analyzed, and compared, as those have been which are already laid before the public. At present I am pretty much engaged on some other subjects, which will retard, for a little while, my putting into execution what you have delegated to me; but very soon, God willing, I will endeavour to afford you a satisfactory account of this Medical Deity, in whose history will be found some extraordinary circumstances.

In the mean time believe me, Sir,

Your sincere friend and humble servant,

JACOB BRYANT.

Sir,

LETTER CXLIV.

From the same.

Cockspur-street, Nov. 12, 1779.

I have not till lately been able to afford you the intelligence which you so long ago requested.